Mémoire
| Résumé : | This study looks at the familiar story of diplomatic relations from a new angle of mega sportы events. By analysing key diplomatic variables such as statements and meetings between Russian and European Union heads and officials, the study seeks to answer the question of how do global sports events affect the political crisis between the Russian Federation and the European Union, provoked by the annexation of Crimea? The 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2018 FIFA World Cup, both of which took place in Russia, were chosen as examples. This research paper shows that despite the fact that both events were highly praised by their direct organisers, neither of them has improved the diplomatic situation. Moreover, the opposite effect can be observed. The impact of the doping investigation against Russian athletes has had a negative effect on other sporting events scheduled to take place in Russia, which, combined with existing and new political problems, tried to prevent the 2018 FIFA World Cup from taking place. Not all world leaders agreed that a prestigious sports event could be hosted by a country that had annexed part of Ukraine and had been accused of doping in previous competitions. This has resulted in boycotts by Western governments, which have been ignored by FIFA management, with an emphasis on the apolitical nature of the football organisation. The process also emphasises the special role of new actors in the diplomatic dimension, namely international sports organisations, whose decisions are taken outside a strong political context. This helps to understand why sports events have not improved the European-Russian political context. An additional aspect here is also Russia's tendency to seek bilateral relations with individual European Union countries rather than with the EU as a whole. The paper shows that despite a relatively long period, the causes of diplomatic tensions between the EU and the Russian Federation remain the same, provoking more and more new ones and only deepening the conflict. There is therefore an urgent need for a complete review of the foundations and principles of bilateral dialogue in order to break the diplomatic deadlock. |
